Commercials on the TV and on the internet keep shouting out promises that their shampoos and conditioners will make your hair all shiny and silky smooth just like the celebrities in those commercials. But, sometimes you do not need all those expensive shampoos and conditioners to do the trick. Something as simple as a mayonnaise could very well bring back the life to your hair and boost your confidence to a whole new level.
Why do you have dry hair
To know why you are having dry hair first you need a little understanding of the structure of your hair strand. Every single strand of hair contains an outer layer called cuticle. If you just happen to look at your hair through a microscope you will notice the cuticle structure is similar to scales on a fish. These cuticles hold back the moisture content in your hair and protect its inner layers. However, your cuticle could be damaged due to some reason like exposure to heat and sunlight, blow dryer, iron rods, etc… Once the cuticle is damaged all the moisture and oil content in your hair will escape leaving it dry, brittle, and lifeless.
Shower your hair
- You need not necessarily have to wash your hair every single day. It is just enough if you can wash it every other day or three times a week. Washing it every day can drain your hair of its natural oil and moisture content, so do it in moderation.
- Most shampoos can leave your hair dry. Try to get a shampoo that is used for colored hair or use a baby shampoo instead which will have a less drying effect.
- Never wash your hair in hot water. Hot water will damage the cuticles and which paves way for dry hair. Instead, use warm water which is little over your body temperature. If the weather in your place permits a cold shower, do it.
- If you do not rinse your hair properly after shampooing it can leave a residue in hair. And this can dry out the hair strands. Always use a generous amount of water to thoroughly rinse off all the shampoo from your hair.
Natural Solutions
- Avocados are rich in protein content when applied to your hair, those proteins will be transferred to the hair shafts making it strong and healthy.
- Mix one teaspoon of wheat germ oil and one teaspoon of jojoba oil to the avocado pulp and apply this mixture to your hair. Put on a shower cap and leave it on for around 20 to 30 minutes and rinse it off thoroughly.
- Mayonnaise contains egg white, which again is rich in protein similar to the avocado. Apply some mayonnaise directly to your hair, leave it on for around 40 to 60 minutes. Wear a shower cap if you need and rinse it out.
Condition your hair
- Conditioning your hair plays a very vital role in keeping your hair from becoming dry. When you wash your hair with a shampoo, it will open up your hair cuticles and loosen up the specks of dirt stuck inside. Once you rinse off the shampoo, those opened cuticles will stay put, this will expose the inner layers of your hair to pollution, sunlight, dirt etc.. which will make it dry and lifeless.
- To close down the cuticles back to its normal position, you need to use a conditioner. This is where the role of a conditioner comes into play.
- If you are at a store looking to but a conditioner, look for the ones that contain dimethicone or phenyl trimethicone. These ingredients are commonly called as “thermal protector”. Apart from closing down the cuticles, these conditioners will protect your hair from heat and sunlight.
- If you are afraid of using chemical rich conditioners, then you can make your own conditioner at home. Just mix two ounces of olive oil with two ounces of aloe vera gel, then add six drops of rosemary essential oil and mix well. You can also add 5 to 6 drops of sandalwood oil to bring in more fragrance. Both olive oil and rosemary oil is a natural emollient, meaning they will soften up your hair. Aloe vera gel will load up your hair with moisture content. Apply this conditioner to your hair and leave it on for 60 to 90 minutes before rinsing off.
- Never apply the conditioner to your hair roots or scalp. This might lead to hair loss. Generously apply the conditioner to your hair ends and work your way up.
Dry hair and thyroid link
If you have a problematic thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), then you are most likely running short of the mineral zinc. Take in 30 milligrams of zinc supplements every day to make up for the deficiency and improve your thyroid functioning. If you intend to take zinc supplements for more than a month’s time, then you need to take 2 milligrams of copper a day to go along with it. Seaweed is an excellent source of zinc and iodine which most people with low thyroid levels run short of. You can purchase seaweed on most health-food stores. Include it in your daily diet.
When to Seek Doctor’s Help
If your hair has dried out all of a sudden accompanied by diarrhea, constipation, stomach problems, dehydration then you need to consult your Doctor. These are strong signs of hypothyroidism which normally leads to dry hair. You might also need Doctor’s attention when you have an itchy scalp with brittle and dry hair. It could be due to psoriasis.
Properly dry your hair
Prefer Air-drying your hair as much as possible. Try to avoid using a hair dryer as much as possible or use it only at times of need. Same goes with iron rods and curling irons. Whenever you expose your hair to a heat source you are drying out its moisture and natural oil content which will leave it dry and brittle.
Choose the right hair brush
- Most cheaper hair brushes contain bristles that are made out of plastic, nylon or other synthetic materials. Plastics or nylon generates static electricity when it is rubbed against your hair, which will make it brittle and prone to breakage. Opt for a hairbrush that contains natural bristles that are made from an animal hair. They can be bit expensive but really good for your hair.
- Start with brushing your hair ends, as it is the place where most tangles happen. Once you break those tangles, you can brush your hair from top to end without getting stuck.
- Full strokes with your hairbrush from hair roots to the ends will spread the natural oils in your hair evenly, and make it soft and shiny.
Strengthen your hair with supplements
- B-vitamins are commonly believed to make your hair strong and healthy. Doctor’s recommend taking 50 milligrams of B-complex supplement two times a day.
- Selenium is a vital mineral that may make your hair look more healthy. Take 200 micrograms of selenium supplement two times a day.
- Evening Primrose oil: This oil contains gamma-linolenic acid which is one the essential fatty acid. It is believed to make your hair strong, healthy, and shiny from the inside. Take 3000 milligrams of evening promise oil capsule divided into three doses a day.
How to Prevent
- Wear a shower cap every time you want to swim in a pool of chlorinated water and wash off your hair thoroughly with a mild shampoo as soon as you get off the pool.
- We tend to keep our room warm during cold weathers, this could be contributing to your dry hair. Try to use a humidifier in your living room and bedroom.
- Your hair ends usually dry out very easily and lead to split ends. Try to trim your hair ends regularly once in 5 to 6 weeks time.
